HC Deb 13 April 1967 vol 744 cc1340-1
3. Mr. Gibson-Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will in future ensure that important statements affecting industry and employment in Wales are made in the House of Commons.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Where the Government are involved in a matter of industrial development, an announcement may be made, as appropriate, by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade as well as by the company concerned. Projects may also be announced by the companies themselves.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the matter to which I am referring concerns the statement made in this House by the First Secretary on the subject of the regional employment premium? Could he tell us why it was that an official from his office had already made a statement on the subject, on 4th April, to the Press and others?

Mr. Hughes

As the hon. Member has said, my right hon. Friend the First Secretary made a full statement on the afternoon of 5th April, and there was no suggestion then that his statement should have been made before the memorandum was published, which was earlier the same day. He then made it perfectly clear that there would be full opportunity for a comprehensive discussion of the matter in the House. The same arrangements for the Press to receive, in confidence, advance copies of this document were made in Wales, as in England and Scotland, under the general direction of my right hon. Friend. Officials in Cardiff answered Questions relating to the proposals, as was done elsewhere.